Car and train-pipe coupling



0. HEBERT.

CAR AND TRAIN PIPE COUPLING.

APPLICATION. FILED SEPT. 1. I916.

Patented Dec. 28,1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

WHM

O. HEBERT. CAR AND TRAIN PIPE COUPLING. APPLICATION man SEPT. 1. 1916.

Patented Dec. 28, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

0. HEBERT.

CAR AND TRAIN PIPE COUPLING.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I, I9I6.

1,363,973. Patented Dec. 28,1920

% I 4 SHEETS-SHEEI 4.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ONESIME HEBERT, 0F MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA, ASSIGNOR TO UNIVERSAL CAR & HOSE COUPLER COMPANY, OF OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA.

CAR AND TRAIN-PIPE COUPLING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 28, 1920.

Application filed September 1, 1916. Serial No. 118,103.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ONESIME HEBERT, a subject of the King of Great Britam, residing at Ville St. Laurent, Montreal, in the Province of Quebec, Dominion of Canada, have invented new and useful Improvements in Car and T rain-Pipe Couplings, of which the following is a specification.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to car and train pipe couplers.

In order to more clearly disclose the con struction, operation, and use of the invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings forming part of the present application. Throughout the several figures of the drawings like reference chan acters designate the same parts.

In the drawings Figure 1, is a top plan view of a pair of the couplers, interlocked,

Fig. 2, is a side View of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3, is a side elevation of one coupler;

Fig. 1 is an opposite side view of the same coupler,

Fig. 5, is a vertical cross section on line 5-5 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 6, is ahorizontal cross section on line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7, is a rear end View of a coupler head with draw bar removed;

Fig. 8, is a front end view of the same; and

Fig. 9, is a view similar to Fig. 1, showlng a Janney coupler.

The main object of the invention 1s to pro vide a powerful, perfectly flexible coupling which will automatically adapt itself to all degrees ofcurvature in the track and all differences of level between cars, giving perfect coupling and uncoupling actlon in all positions. A further important object 18 to provide a coupling which will effect simultaneously with the coupling of the cars, an accurate automatic coupling of all train pipes, avoiding the necessity of going be tween the cars.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 1 indicates a hollow coupling head or shell adapted to carry one set of coupling elements and to receive the other or cooperating set of coupling elements carried by another head, as will later appear. Consequently, each head has its forward end open for about onehalf of its width and is chambered out to about one half of its length, as will be clear on reference to Figs. 6 and 8. The inside walls of each head carrytwo fixed coupling hooks 2 extending forwardly beyond the head for a distance approximately equal to the length of the chamber. One hook is at the top and one at the bottom of the head, with a space between, the space being about equal to the thickness ofzone of thefirst hooks. The forward end of each hook is rounded to guide it to position in the chamber of the cooperating head as the couplings are interlocked. To similarly guide'them vertically, the hooks are beveled vertically as at As shown in the drawings the hooks 2 are integral with the heads. Preferably they will be cast integrally and at one operation with'the head. Between the two fixed hooks is pivotally mounted the horizontally swinging knuckle 4 formed witha hook 5, interlocking shoulder 6, rearward ear 7,and trip or release toe 8. The knuckle 4 is mounted to swing horizontallyabout a vertical pivot rod 9 passed through a vertical bore in the ear 7 and similar bores in similar cars 10 On the outer face ofth e head. T 0 enable the pivoting ofkniickl'e 4', the wall of the head is provided with a rectangular opening 11 between the cars 10 thereon. Through this opening is passed the ear 7, the pin 9 being slipped into place to secure it. One very important point of this arrangement is the two point lock for each knuckle, or four point lock for each pair of interlocked heads, as will be clear on reference to Fig.6. As shown in said figure the knuckle 4 is interlocked with the head to which it is pivoted by means of an ear 7 entering the opening 11 and alsowith'the mating coupler head by means of 'theshoulder 6 engaging one side of the opening 100 in said mating head. In order to maintain the knuckle 4.- normally in operative position, a small spring actuated plunger, 12 is used. It is simply a small rod slidably seatedin a small bore in the rear face of the knuckle and having a rounded end at all times in sliding engagement with the inner rear wall of the head. A coil spring 13 in the bore and compressed by plunger 12, serves to maintain the knuckle in its operative position. i

The rear endof each head is considerably thickened and provided with a vertical passage extending from top to bottom and increasing in width from-front to rear,' as' at It. Within this passage and extending through the top and bottom walls of the head is the coupler pin 15. Its lower end projects slightly below the bottom of the head, as shown. On this pin is horizontally pivoted the inner end member 16 of a vertically flexible draw bar. The upper edge of this member, to the rear of pin 15, is triangular or wedge shaped in lateral vertical cross section, as at 17, and cooperates with two oppositely inclined surfaces 18 forming a groove or channel in the rear part of the inner face of the top of the l1eadsee Figs. 2 and 5. On reference to Fig. 5, it will be noticed that the vertical thickness of the member 16 is considerably less than the distance between the inner faces of the top and bottom walls of the head, allowing considerable vertical movement between the member 16 and its head. This overcomes the differences between loaded and empty cars, in their heights above the rails. The swing of the head about the vertical pivot pin 15 avoids binding and maintains 3erfect coupling on any and all curves. ut, its principal function is to permit the act of coupling on very sharp curves, which is not possible with the present couplers. When coupling on a very sharp curve, the

rounded ends of the fixed hooks 2 engage the inner edge of the side wall of the cooperating head and the two heads are swung on their pivot pins 15 and accurately alined as they interlock. As soon as they are disengaged and separated the weight of each head immediately alines it with the draw-bar, through the action of the wedge 17 and incline planes 18, as will be obvious. The draw bars, as in other couplings, are always alined with the longitudinal center of the car. Therefore, the coupling heads are always in position for coupling.

To the inner end member 16, of its draw bar, is flexibly connected the outer or rear member 19 having a forked end 20, through the branches of which is passed a horizontal draw-bar pin 21. The member 16 extends between the branches 20 and pivots vertically, about pin 21., It carries an extension 22 projecting rearwardly from its lower face and corresponding to a forwardly directed extension 23 of the upper face of the rear member 19 between the branches of the forked end 20. These two extensions form, practically, a cylindrical chamber within which is housed a stiff coil spring 2 1. This spring acts to keep the two sections of the draw bar alined, normally, and is suiiiciently strong to overcome the weight of head 1 and the parts carried thereby. In case of excessive vertical difference between the coupled cars, in heights above rails, the draw bar will flex about pivot pin 21, compressing spring 24: and automatically adjusting itself to this difference. Thus, the coupling head,

and its operative parts will automatically return to normal position immediately upon uncoupling. To eifect uncoupling it is only necessary to force either of the shoulders 6 to inoperative position. As either of the knuckles 4: is thus swung, the innermost end of its hook will engage the toe 8 of the knuckle of the interlocked head causing that knuckle, also, to swing on its pivot and withdraw its shoulder to inoperative position, thus simultaneously disengaging the two knuckles and uncoupling the two heads. To efiect this movement of either knuckle, dogs 24 are used, one on each head. Each dog is substantially l. shaped and is pivoted through the free end of its longer arm and adapted to swing vertically upward on its pivot. It is mounted in a small boxing or frame 25 secured to each head, in any suitable manner and on the side opposite to that carrying the coupling hooks and knuckle. Through this wall of the head is formed an opening 100, opposite the opening for ear 7. It is adapted to receive the shoulder 6 and part of the hook of the coupling knuckle of the interlocking head, as shown in Fig. 6 and to allow the passage of dog 24: to engage such knuckle for uncoupling. To actuate each dog 24, a short lever 26 is used, fulcrumed on frame 25 and working in slots in the frame. Lever 26 is worked by the usual coupling pin lever, through a chain or other suitable connection, as will be readily understood. :Normally, the dogs 24 gra vltate to noperative position.

The coupling function of the coupling hooks 2 lies in their cooperation with the knuckle 27 of the Janney type of coupling as shown in Fig. 9. It is not thought that further explanation of this feature is necessary, as it is evident from the drawings. Thus, it is equally possible to use one of these couplings either with a Janney type or with another coupling of the same type.

Thus, the coupling hooks 2 have two distinct and separate functions: First, they act to guide two coupling heads accurately to interlocking position, and, second, they cooperate with the knuckle of the Janney type of coupling.

In order to overcome any possible tendency toward twisting of the coupler heads, relatively to one another, they are each provided with a lug 29 on one vertical front edge, at about the center, and a corresponding notch 28 at about the same point in the opposite edge, the notch of one head being adapted to receive the lug of the other. Thus, when the two heads are once interlocked they become, practically, one solid piece which can not become separated by any possible accident short of complete destruction.

On the under face of each coupler head, just in advance of the pins 15, are carried a pair of guides 30. Preferably, they are cast integrally with the head and at one operation, but, of course, may be otherwise secured either removably or in fixed relation. Slidably and removably mounted in said guides are train pipe blocks 31 with flanges supporting them on the guides. They are 071 such length that, when fully inserted, they abut against the projecting ends of pins 15 which act as stops for them. Each block is provided with one or more longitudinal bores or passages-for passenger cars, three passages, and for freight, one. In each passage is a short pipe section 33 which extends a short distance beyond each end of the block. Each end of each pipe is threaded and on each threaded end is turned a nut 35%. loosening the nut on one end and tights mg the nut on the other it is possible to adjust the pipe lengthwise through the block and, at the ame time, secure it in adjusted position, so that the pipe ends of the two blocks may be adjusted toward or from each other as required, to make a tight compression joint, as will later appear. In 5 hose ends and gaskets have been omitted to more clearly show the adjustment. To the r ar end of each pipe 33 is connected a train pipe 35, b means of an ordinz 'v coupling sleeve 36, or the like. To the forward end of each is fastened, by a clamp 37, a short length of hose or rubber tubing 38 carrying, inside, a gasket. The rubber tubing projects a short distance bel the gasket. 'lhus, when the two heads driven t ght together in interlocked or coupled position. the hose ends 88 ot' one are forced a inst the hose ends of the other block until the gaskets of one rest against the gaskets ot the other. The projecting rubber ends are forcibly compressed longitudinally and spread radially, as in Fig. 2, making a very tight joint. This joint may be iegulated by the a astinent oi the pipe sections 33, as will be clear. Thus, all train ipes will be accurately and efficiently auto- *ically co ple-d when the cars are coupled by interlock 11g a pair of the heads 1. Since there is absolutely no relative movement between the coupled heads, the coupling of the train pipes is eliiciently maintained as long as the heads are coupled.

sume that it is desired to couple a heaii y loaded car to an empty on a very As the cars approach each sharp curve. other, the inclines 3 engaging the horizontal es of the top and bottom walls of the pler heads, will. bring the heads into the same horizontal plane, and the rounded ends of the same coupling hooks will engage the vertical wall of the chamber and swing them in o the same vertical plane. As they are forced together, the vertical edge 01": the chamber of each head will engage the rounded portion leading to the shoulder 6 of the coupling knuckle of the other head, forcing the knuckle to swing inwardly about their pivots and compressing their springs 13. As the shoulders 6 reach the openings 100 the springs 13 will snap the knuckles outwardly so that houlders 6 will engage the vertical walls of the openings, as shown in Fig. 6, this gives a. firm four point connection or coupling, firmly interlocked. At the same instant, the lugs 29seat firmly in notches 28 and the compression coupling of the train pipes is completed.

It i thought that the construction, operation, and use of the invention will be clear from the preceding detailed description.

Changes may be made in the construction, arrangement, and disposition of the several parts of the invention, within the scope of the appended claims, without in any way doparting from the field and scope of the invention, and it is meant to include all such within this application wherein only a preferred form has been disclosed.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is 1. In combination, a pair of hollow coupling heads each provided with. openings in its opposite side walls and a coupling knuckle provided with a coupling hook having a locking shoulder adapted to engage the wall of the opening in the other head, each knuckle being also provided with a tripping toe adapted to be engaged by the hooked end of the other knuckle to effect uncoupling.

2. In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head '10() having an open front, a coupling knuckle pivoted to the head at one side of the longitudinal axis of the head and projecting forward so as to protrude from within the head, said knuckle having on the outer side of the 1105 protruding portion an interlocking shoulder, and on the outer side of the portion within the head a projecting ear, an abutment on the head forward of the said ear relatively disposed so as to engage with said ear, and 110 an abutment within the hollow head on the side opposite the abutment that engages the said ear, which is adapted to interlock with' an interlocking shoulder on the knuckle of a corresponding companion coupler.

In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head having an open front and a rear inner wall, a pivoted knuckle within said head at one side thereof, said knuckle having an end protruding forward from within said head, 120 an interlocking shoulder on its outer side, and a rearward portion extending transversely, said portion having a tripping toe on its end adapted to be engaged by the projecting end of a companion knuckle in its 125 uncoupling movement; and a resilient device bearing against said rear inner wall and the transversely extending rearward portion of the knuckle, and exerting its tension to force the protruding end of the knuckle outward 130 away from the longitudinal axis of the coupler.

4. In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head having an open front, mounted so as to swing laterally, a knuckle pivoted within said head at one side thereof, said knuckle having an end protruding forward from within said head, an interlocking shoulder on the outer side, a hooked extremity provided with a cam-like front, said hook opening toward the longitudinal axis of said head, and a transverse rearward portion on said knuckle extending substantially to said longitudinal axis and having a forward cam face adapted to cooperate with the cam-like front of said hooked extremity of a cooperating knuckle during the uncoupling movement of the latter; and an abutment in the wall of said head opposite said knuckle adapted to interlock with the shoulder of a knuckle on a corresponding mating coupler.

5. In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head having an open front, a pivoted knuckle carried by the head, said knuckle having an end protruding forward from within said head, an interlocking shoulder on the outer side of said protruding end, a hook on said knuckle opposite said shoulder, said hook having a cam-like front end, and said hook opening toward the longitudinal axis of the head, a transverse rearward portion on said knuckle extending substantially ,to the said longi tudinal axis, the cam-like end of a cooperating coupling hook being adapted to engage the extremity of said transverse rearward hook on the other coupling during uncoupling movements of one of said knuckles; an abutment in the wall of the head op posite the knuckle adapted to interlock with the shoulder of a corresponding mating coupler, said parts being so disposed that when two heads are coupled, movement of one knuckle to disengage its interlocking shoulder from the abutment in the interlocked head will effect a disengagement of the companion knuckle.

6. In a car coupler, a hollow coupling head having an open front, a pivoted knuckle protruding forward ofsaid head at one side of the longitudinal axis of said head, and having an interlocking shoulder on the outer side of the protruding portion; the side wall opposite the knuckle having an opening therethrough disposed in position to interlock with the interlocking shoulder in the knuckle of a corresponding coupler head, an angular dog pivoted on the outside of the wall adjacent said opening and having the end of one arm arranged to bear upon the shoulder of the knuckle of a mating coupler to release it.

7. In a car coupler, a hollow coupling head having an open front and having an opening through one side wall adapted to be engaged by an interlocking shoulder on the knuckle of a companion coupler, a housing on the exterior'of the wall, an angular dog having one end pivoted within the housing and its other end arranged to engage the said interlocking shoulder, a cam surface on the back of the dog near its pivotal point, and a lever guided by the housing and adapted to bear upon said cam surface to move the angular dog to disengage said knuckle.

8. In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head having an open front end, a rigid hook proj ecting fromithe head forward of the front end at one side of the longitudinal axis of the head, the hook cavity facing the axis; a pivoted knuckle projecting forward to substantially the same extent as the rigid hook, the projecting portions of said hook and knuckle being approximately similar in form and size, and being disposed in substantial registration; an interlocking shoulder on the outer side of the projecting portion of the knuckle, and the wall of the head that is opposite the hook and knuckle having an abutment adapted to engage the shoulder on the knuckle of a corresponding coupler head.

9. In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head, an upper and a lower rigid hook of similar size and form protruding from said head forward of the front thereof at one side of the longitudinal axis of the head, said hooks being spaced apart and having the hook cavities facing said axis; a knuckle pivoted in the space between said hooks within the head, said knuckle projecting forward beyond the front of said head substantially the same extent as the hooks, said projecting portion of the knuckle being approximately similar in outline and size to the projecting portions of the hooks; an interlocking shoulder on the outer side of the projecting portion of the knuckle; and the wall opposite the hooks and knuckle having an abutment adapted to be engaged by the interlocking shoulder on the knuckle of a companion coupler head.

Signed at Ville St. Laurent, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, this 28th day of August,

ONESIME HEBERT. 

